Alabama lynching memorial wins tourism’s Attraction of the Year award

Updated Aug 21, 2019; Posted Aug 21, 2019

AP

FILE - In this April 28, 2018, file photo, visitors look at markers bearing the names of lynching victims at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Ala. It's opening was one of the top stories in Alabama in 2018. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz, File)

The Alabama Tourism Department has honored Montgomery’s National Memorial for Peace & Justice and Legacy Museum.

The Equal Justice Initiative’s memorial and museum to the victims of lynching in the U.S. has been awarded Attraction of the Year.

In little more than a year, the sites have drawn more than 400,000 visitors from around the U.S. and the world. The memorial commemorates the victims of lynching, while the museum uses interactive media, sculpture, videography and exhibits to tell the story of racial terror and segregation.

Last year, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau and EJI won the 2018 Tourism Partnership Award.

EJI recently purchased the 40 N. Perry St. site next to Riverwalk Stadium, with plans for a ticket center, gift shop and café, along with expanded shuttle service and parking for visitors.